Both of the Matamata teams travelled to Cambridge for the local derby last weekend as the two Swifts sides looked to get their respective seasons back on track.

In the feature match of the day, the Stanley Group Matamata Swifts were looking for a fast start to rid memories of recent results. And early dominance soon paid off as, in what has been a recurring theme this year, Jamie Baxter found the back of the net from a speculative free kick. Hitting the ball from range, the ball slipped straight through the fingers of the Cambridge keeper and over the line to give the Swifts a 1-0 lead.

Unfortunately, in what has also been an early season issue, goals from open play have been hard to find. Continued pressure failed to produce any increase to the scoring, though Swifts striker Ben Watson did find the back of the net, only to be surprisingly called back for an attacking Matamata free kick.

This inability to score goals when on top has been hurting the Swifts, and they were made to pay again. A Cambridge one-on-one was saved and fell to captain Colin Taylor who attempted to clear. The ball fell to goalkeeper Jonathan Crook, still on the ground, who gladly collected the ball, only to find the referee awarding Cambridge a free-kick inside the box for an intentional back pass. An unfortunate deflection from the wall saw the ball nestle in the net for a 1-1.

The Swifts pushed forward before half time as they continued to have the better of the match, and their intent was rewarded just before the break. This time it was from the penalty spot as the Cambridge defender was unlucky to have the bouncing ball collect his arm in the box. Ben Watson converted for his second in two weeks.

The second half was a more open affair, with Matamata unable to convert the chances they created, but Cambridge failing to put concerted pressure on the Swifts goal. But what is a local derby without controversy? As the game headed towards injury time, Cambridge pushed greater numbers forward in search of an equaliser. An attacking corner saw the home side throwing players at the ball and player alike. No-one was surprised to hear the whistle blown and the Cambridge players were heading back to defend. What was surprising was the sighte of the referee pointing to the penalty spot for an off-the-ball incident. A 2-2 scoreline had the Swifts despondent they had let two points slip.

Unfortunately, it got worse. Five minutes into injury time Cambridge earned one last corner. This one was headed goalward but found the body of the man on the post and deflected to Crook in goal. Once again, the whistle went and the finger was pointed at the spot, a call of handball. A final score of 3-2 made for a very, very quiet changing room, along with the knowledge that early chances to kill off matches must be taken to prevent such late comebacks.

It was another tough week for the Peter Vossen Builder's Federation 2 team as they went down 5-0 to Cambridge Reserves in the early match of the day.

The Challenge Matamata ladies team played in the first round of the knock-out Waikato Cup against Eastern Suburbs. While the result was a 7-1 loss to the Swifts, the scoreline does not reflect the improved showing by the ladies. The game was played in excellent spirits with only the one foul called all game, a penalty converted by Keziah Hofmann after being won by Sarah Coppard. It was a strong showing by the defence with a joint (wo)man of the match awarded to an outstanding display by goalkeeper Dayna Samuel and an excellent performance from Sommer Rickard.

There is a change to the fixtures this week due to Chatham Cup. The Federation 1 team travel to Otumoetai in one of only two league fixtures, while the Federation 2 side host Te Awamutu. The ladies side travel away to league leaders Morrinsville on Sunday.